Social polarisation
What Social polarisation means in History A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Social polarisation
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Social polarisation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Germany was deeply fragmented, with middle classes enjoying rising prosperity and embracing nationalist pressure groups while working classes remained alienated despite welfare provisions.
Rapid cultural and social shifts deeply alienated rural and conservative traditionalists, contrasting urban cultural flourishing with conservative rural backlash.
Deep societal divisions highlighted by intense extra-parliamentary opposition, including the 1990 Trafalgar Square riots and environmental protests.
Widespread destitution and a psychological loss of faith in the Republic accompanied the radicalisation of the working and middle classes.
Topics that use Social polarisation
- 1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991 – The Kaiserreich, 1871–1914 (AQA A-Level)
- 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 – The 'Golden Age' of the Weimar Republic, 1924–1928 (AQA A-Level)
- 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 – The Collapse of Democracy, 1928–1933 (AQA A-Level)
- 2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007 – The impact of Thatcherism, 1979–1987 (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Political extremism
- Political Opposition
- Authoritarianism and state repression
- Autocracy versus Democracy
- Autocracy vs Democracy
- Backstairs intrigue
- Constitutional conflict
- Cultural experimentation
Using Social polarisation in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise History questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge